Messages on Matthew
I’ve Got Talent (and That Makes Me Significant)
Pastor Brent examines reality talent TV shows as a mirror to our search for significance. He observes how these shows reflect our innate desire for validation in a world where recognition is often paramount. Brent redirects the focus by highlighting that genuine significance rests in our relationship with God rather than external acclaim. He reinforces this idea through biblical parallels, emphasizing that our worth is rooted in our identity as cherished creations of God. The sermon’s pivotal point is the…
True Crime Junkies
Welcome to “In Plain Sight: Theology All Around Us.” In this sermon, Pastor Amy Becker dives into the world of true crime podcasts, exploring how they offer an escape and satisfy our justice-seeking hearts. Join us as Pastor Amy unveils the allure of true crime narratives, delving into why we’re drawn to these stories as a break from our own lives and our innate desire for justice. While these stories provide a taste of justice, the ultimate justice lies in…
God and Social Media
Social media makes great promises and claims of connections and friends yet leaves many feeling empty and wanting more. More and more studies highlight the dangers of this technology on kids’ and adults’ mental health. Where is God in social media? And how can those who follow Jesus use social media to see and help meet our human desire for connection?
The Value of the Kingdom
Lots of ideas and motivations clamor for our undivided attention in our world. But what is truly worth our time? Is there something worth dedicating ourselves to and reorienting our lives around? In some of the parables Jesus told, we see what he believed to be the value of his kingdom and why it is worth giving everything for.
Values of the Kingdom
As we see in stories of Jesus in Scripture, values of His Kingdom are caught rather than taught. Pastor Steve Rogers continues our Heaven on Earth series by highlighting the values of God’s Kingdom. Those values are birthed from the Holy Spirit, ultimately propelling us to be more like Jesus in our heart, mind, and actions.
Entering the Kingdom
The things we may think get us into the Kingdom of God are often the things that pull us further away. Pastor Brent continues our series on the Kingdom by sharing what entrance should look like according to Scripture. Are we more interested in visiting the Kingdom of God or becoming citizens?
The Resurrection & the Kingdom of God
The message of Jesus is bigger than we think. This Easter Sunday, Pastor Brent begins a new series about the Kingdom of God. The resurrection isn’t just a key catalyst of establishing God’s Kingdom; it validates everything Jesus said and did.
Save Us
The contrasts we see in Jesus on Palm Sunday are numerous. As described in the book of Matthew, Jesus did not see His kingship as others did. What Jesus came to Earth to bring – humility, servanthood, healing, sacrifice, and peace – is what eventually killed Him.
Temptation and Sin
We join in exploring Scripture passages outlined in the Lectionary with churches around the world in this new series, Beauty for Ashes. Pastor Brent begins by addressing the temptation we witness in the Gospel of Matthew. Ultimately, we can only grasp the magnitude of God’s love when we understand the magnitude of our own sin and weaknesses.
Violence in Religion
Unspeakable conflicts, wars, and violence have occurred in the name of Christianity. As a church, how should we respond to such violence? Jesus called us to take up a cross and subversively surrender, not take up arms and take over.
Abuse in the Church
How do we reconcile the character Jesus embodied with the broken church we see today? Pastor Amy and Pastor Brent guide a discussion regarding abuse in the church, specifically spiritual abuse, sexual abuse, and abuses of authority. Hope and healing is possible, but it starts with recognizing and owning the flaws embedded in our churches’ cultures and systems. Sermon Manuscript [Introductory video shows headlines of abuse in the church] Amy: How do you feel? Sad, dread? Brent: Angry? Amy: Angry?…
King Herod
King Herod’s role in the Christmas story is one marked by power, greed, and paranoia. Pastor Amy explores how the empire of King Herod differs with the Kingdom Jesus established through his birth, life, death, and resurrection. Will we be people who are influenced by the power and corruption of the empire, or people marked by the humility and love of the Kingdom?